10. Tucker Barnhart

Al Behrman/Associated PressTucker Barnhart

This Week's Stat Line

G

H/AB

BB

2B

3B

HR

R

RBI

4

1/14

0

0

0

0

0

0

Overview

Tucker Barnhart is a defense-first catcher, but his bat has really fallen off this year. After another rough week, his average is down to just .188. In his short stay in the majors, the 23-year-old catcher was just 3-for-28.

Barnhart looked like he would be a good part-time catcher in the MLB before this season. He had hit right-handers well at .280 with an OBP of .380 in 2013. However, even against right-handers, he is under the Mendoza Line.

Barnhart will need to find his bat if he wants to make a more permanent stay in the majors.

9. Ben Lively

Ben Lively picked up two more wins this week to reach 10 on the year. However, the wins were more from his run support than his performance this week.

They were his two highest earned-run totals in a game at four and five. On the bright side, he is still striking out batters at a ridiculous rate with 16 more this week.

His numbers on the year are still outstanding. After dominating rookie ball with an ERA of .73 in 12 starts a year ago, the 22-year-old pitcher has been a step above the competition in Class-A Advanced as well.

Based on the rest of his season, these two down starts should not cause too much concern. If he can pitch the way he has the rest of the season, the UCF grad should be moving up by the end of the season.

7. Carlos Contreras

Carlos Contreras made one appearance this past week, but he was dominant in his one inning of work. He struck out two and allowed one hit. The best thing to take away is he didn't walk anyone—something he has struggled with this year.

After finishing 2013 strong, Contreras has dealt with nagging back injuries for much of 2014 but has finally returned. He has returned to the bullpen instead of the rotation.

Control has been his problem in the minors. He has given up way too many free passes—more than one every two innings this year.

The 23-year-old pitcher has excellent stuff, as his strikeout rate stands at 11.9, but he just has to learn to control it. Contreras needs to lower his 5.5 walk rate before he can take the next step forward.

5. Yorman Rodriguez

Yorman Rodriguez's struggles at the plate continued this week. He managed just one hit in 14 at-bats. This dropped his average down to .222 on the year.

The 21-year-old prospect has taken a step back during his second year in Double-A. His slugging percentage has dropped from .427 to .305. The loss of power can be seen in his huge doubles drop-off.

After hitting an impressive 35 doubles in 2013, he has just two this season. Jesse Winker has flown by him this season after it looked like Rodriguez was living up to his potential a year ago.

All of the tools are there, but he has not been able to put it all together this season. The Venezuelan prospect needs to cut down on his strikeouts and put the ball in play. He is averaging over a strikeout a game.

If he can't pick up his game and look like the player we saw a year ago, he will keep slipping down the rankings.

3. Jesse Winker

Jesse Winker continued his power stroke with three more home runs this week. He also added a double and seven RBI.

Winker may have started the season behind Ervin, but he has separated himself from Ervin and Rodriguez this year. He is hitting .311 and has an OBP of .410.

The Olympia High School (Florida) product has an outstanding .949 OPS this season. For a comparison, Joey Votto has a career OPS of .956. These are at different levels, but it is still a great start for the 20-year-old prospect.

Winker has 10 home runs and 15 doubles on the season. If he keeps up his play, Double-A should be around the corner.